Corbett firefighters prepare for stairclimb fundraiser

Corbett firefighters have recently taken to the Columbia River Gorge trails for physical workouts, not only so they can get into better physical shape but to train for the annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb on March 11 in Seattle.

The stairclimb supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising money through sponsorships, individual and fire department fundraising, as well as entry fees. In 2011, the event raised a record $930,000 for blood cancer research and patient services.

Last year, Corbett firefighters participated for the first time and raised more than $4,000. This year seven firefighters are participating: Rick Wunsch, Tim Downing, Anthony Calcagno, Nick Sines, Kadmiel Coponen, Anthony Deblock, Seth Grover and Nelson Rolens, who handles all of the equipment.

The firefighters will climb 788 feet of vertical elevation (Multnomah Falls is 620 feet of elevation) carrying almost 75 pounds of equipment. The climb will take place at The Columbia Center in Seattle, which is the second tallest building west of the Mississippi. The firefighters will have to climb 69 flights of stairs (1,311 steps) to reach the observation deck.

Those who wish to donate can contact Rick Wunsch at 503-260-8655, visit the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb website (through llswa.org) and make a tax-deductible donation under Multnomah County Rural Fire Protection District 14, or contact any member of District 14.